How to decide prices for commissioned graphite pencil portrait art
It is difficult to decide what to charge for a custom pencil portrait commission. Check out the pencil portrait art price survey below.
Of course, it's not completely scientific, it's just fun and interesting to know. If you have sold a pencil portrait, please take a second to contribute by participating in the poll.
I hope that this page will help you decide what you want to charge - an amount that is fair for both you and your new customer.
What is in this page:
POLL: How much do YOU charge?
A survey of artists. Please answer this poll so you can see where your pricing stands among other artists.
Pencil Portrait Prices
What to charge for pencil portraits?
I don't mean to tell you what to charge your customers, but I do think in general that artists underestimate the value of their art. I think this is because many of us just have natural talent, so we take it for granted. But it's taken you a lot of work and time (although you may not think of it as work because you love it so much)
Pencil portrait prices can vary by where you live, but here are some general prices:
People equate price with quality. This is a perception that we know is not true in all cases. However, I have had more customers since I found more confidence to increase my fees. You can place a notice on your pencil portraits pricing page that "all prices are subject to change without notice."
You may elect to set your prices as the highest level that you feel comfortable with - and that you feel you could justify if necessary.
As your skills increase, raise your prices. If you become so busy that you are having trouble keeping up with your portrait commissions, this is a sign that it's time to raise your prices.
The higher your prices are, you may find that the level of respect you receive as an artist also increases. It's like the adage - if you don't respect yourself, no one else will either!
How To Charge The Fees - Communicating to Clients
Presentation and Wording Advice
I ask for half to start work, the final half after I have sent a preview by email and they have approved it.Note that I do not word it as "50% up front." I feel that the words "up front" have a negative connotation connected to them, as if I do not trust the client. Of course, I do trust the client and I would not want to send a negative message. So I say half to 'start work,' which has the almost subliminal message of 'I don't work until I get some payment' without actually coming right out and saying it! Also, "50%" sounds like a discount and seems to cheapen the message.
Some artists ask for 33% at the start, with 66% at the end (basically that's one third up front.) This seems to be a very fair arrangement, but it's more difficult to do mathematically! So do what you think is best for you and for your customers.
Many artists consider 20% of the percentage they receive to start work as a non-refundable deposit. This is a way of protecting your time invested. It does make sense, when you evaluate setting aside time to work on the customer's project, and you may have already started work on a portrait when the person wants to back out. I have 20% non refundable listed on my price list, but I generally wouldn't charge it unless a person had caused me some income loss because of backing out.
Resources for Art Pricing, Estimating, Marketing
Related books
Art Marketing 101, Third Edition: A Handbook for the Fine Artist (Art Marketing 101: A Handbook for the Fine Artist)
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/09/2008)
Internet 101 for Artists, Second Edition: With a Special Guide to Selling Art on eBay (Internet 101 for Artists)
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/09/2008)
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines)
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 07/09/2008)
Pricing Your Artwork
Pencil Portrait Artists on eBay
There are some really fine pencil portrait artists on Ebay, and Ebay is a great place to get exposure for an inexpensive price.
I think it is good to do an introductory special on Ebay, but it is also my opinion that a lot of very talented artists are selling themselves short by pricing themselves too low and auctioning their fine art as if it is a garage sale castoff is not a good way to market your art.
So, if you must sell your pencil portraits on Ebay, set a Reserve Price!
Do not let your wonderful custom artwork go for something like $10-$25. If you do, please send me your email address so I can virtually slap some sense into you. (LOL)
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Visit My Pencil Portrait Art Blog
Check out what's going on in my art blog. If you like it, you can subscribe to receive new updates to the pencil art blog in your email.
I originally made my blog to advertise to my website visitors and potential clients, but it turned out that more artists were interested in information about the business and how to draw tips.
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